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Reader Question My problem is that I have little space, a LOT of stuff, and little time. I have stuff and papers everywhere, and there is no place to sit or eat. My husband is NOT on board with me in my quest for sanity and organization, so getting help from that corner is impossible, and he just constantly adds to the problem. I don't have enough room to sort through the stuff and papers. When I get to where I just can't take it any more, I end up throwing everything from a room in a box (actually, SEVERAL boxes) and try to go through it. But I run out of room too quickly as I'm sorting it and don't know how to get past that point. There's just no place to PUT anything! HELP! Our Response 1. Reduce the Task: It sounds like you have a stuff problem AND a paper problem. I suggest you start with getting the paper piles under control first. 2. Consolidate: You have already attempted this step, but this time concentrate on paper only and put all paper in one place, preferably a large box. It is best to do only this step the first day. Part of our exasperation comes from attempting to do too much at one time. 3. Sort: Get at least four more boxes, but smaller in size. Label each of these boxes: Throw, Shred, File, and Action. Start with the paper on the top and decide where it goes. The Throw Box will be envelopes and extra papers from mailings. The Shred Box will be anything that you do not need to save that has personal information. The File Box will be papers that you save on a yearly basis and also permanent files. The Action Box will be any bills, letters, etc. that you need to respond to immediately. 4. Manage: Starting with the Action Box papers, process any thing that needs immediate attention. When you feel caught up with the most pertinent, then throw out all the papers in the Throw Box and Shred the papers in the Shred Box. 5. File: For this step you will need filing supplies. They include, a file cabinet or folders and a method of labeling. Sort the filing papers according to categories and list the main topics. These will be your labels for your individual folders. 6. Making Time/Enlisting Help: Taking a little time each day to handle paper clutter is best. Your husband and you can work out a place where papers/mail are placed each day. Making the task enjoyable with with music, and snacks at the time, or rewards and treats when completed, gives the chore more appeal. Reader Clinic Submittal Have an organizing question? We'd love to hear from you. Please fill in your answers to all questions below. Then press SEND. If your browser does not allow you to use forms, just type all of your answers in an email and send the email to Your tips and ideas may be printed in one of our future newsletters as a featured Reader Tip. In addition, it may be published in one of our future books, with your name, city and state! By submitting this form, you agree to allow us to reprint your tip(s) or idea(s) in our future publications. Be sure to read our newsletter each week to find out if your tip was chosen to be featured. Thank you! Maria Gracia